Jordan Cross

Pompey defender explains importance of Wigan clash

Cook believes the interest of American billionaire Michael Eisner in the Blues can only add to an end-of-season feel-good factor at Fratton Park.

And the 50-year-old is confident the arrival of Eisner – who entered an ‘exclusivity agreement’ with the club yesterday – will fire his club on a charge back up the leagues.

All the talk has been of the former Walt Disney Company CEO’s discussions with Pompey, since being exclusively revealed by The News on Monday.

But now the focus has to return to action on the pitch as struggling Newport County arrive tomorrow.

Cook feels keeping their eyes on the promotion prize should not be a problem for his men.

He said: ‘We don’t want to deflect it because we’re in the midst of something. My pathway is quite clear. I can stay on it.

‘This club is going forward, and I keep telling people that.

‘It might not be this year or next year, but I know where this club will be in 20 years and the calibre of the man coming in just highlights that. No-one is going to stop us.

‘When you live in this area everyone knows what goes on. That’s Portsmouth Football Club.

‘If the supporters deem it’s right to be handed over to what looks to be the capable hands of a new owner, it will be a great day for the club.

‘With eight games to go, I feel we’re in a great position

‘There is no distraction. I wouldn’t even debate it is or isn’t. It’s not for us. It’s not.

‘The feel-good factor comes from the supporters. We sit third in the league, four points in front of fourth, and a very influential American wants to take us over and on to better things. It’s about time we had a smile on our face.’

Cook has no doubt about the calibre of Eisner’s credentials and what he could achieve for Pompey.

And the Scouser believes the fact he is keen on his club is testament to the work put in by many to make the Blues an attractive proposition.

‘The portfolio of the investor is nothing short of staggering really,’ added Cook.

‘I think it’s a massive pat on the back for not just the city but Portsmouth Football Club and it’s people in general.

‘These people don’t roll into town and offer to buy a club. There’s so much work which goes on behind the scenes.

‘From an outsider looking in, it seems great for everyone. All the powers that be now can come together.

‘The point has to be made, how have we got to this point?

‘Forget we’re in League Two, because that’s where we’ve been put by others.

‘But the people who took over the club, as custodians, to have us where we are today in three-and-a-half years is amazing.

‘We are a fantastically well-run club with a great infrastructure and fan base.